The Nigerian government is at odds with the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) over the payment of withheld salaries. The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) announced that payments had commenced, with many union members confirming receipt. However, the unions dispute this, stating that only one month of the four months owed has been paid.

An indefinite strike by both unions began on Monday, triggered by the government’s alleged failure to disburse withheld salaries from 2022. The OAGF also announced the release of funds for benefits under the Nigerian Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme Sector (NUPCPS), reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of Nigerian workers and retirees.

Criticizing the government’s claims, SSANU Vice President Abdussobur Salaam labeled it a misrepresentation. He emphasized that union members have received only one month’s salary, which was disbursed after a meeting with government representatives ended in a stalemate.

During a meeting on Thursday, the leadership of the Joint Action Committee (JAC), comprising NASU and SSANU presidents, engaged with the outgoing Minister of State for Education, Yusuf Sununu. Although Sununu assured them that the issue of withheld salaries would be addressed, he did not provide a specific timeline. Consequently, the unions have resolved to maintain their strike until all withheld salaries are fully paid.

The government’s previous withholding of salaries for university staff stemmed from a protracted strike in 2022 over unresolved issues. Although SSANU and NASU suspended their strike after four months following appeals from the former education minister, academic staff continued their protest for eight months until a court ordered its suspension at the federal government’s request.

The government enforced a “No Work, No Pay” policy during the strike, leading to salary withholdings. In October, President Bola Tinubu directed the payment of four of the eight months withheld for academic staff, with disbursement occurring in February. However, this directive did not apply to non-teaching staff, prompting protests and ultimatums from the unions as their withheld salaries remain unresolved, leading to the current strike action.